Good afternoon HCI families,

I hope everyone was able to dig out from our snow day! Welcome to the final stretch of Semester one, the finish line is officially in sight. January is always a whirlwind of activity, but it’s also a time to look back with pride at everything we’ve accomplished since the fall. You may find that you have a student in your home that is reacting to this time in a variety of ways; they may be on top of all the tasks and feel ready for exams; they may feel overwhelmed and not sure where to start; or, they may be reacting through avoidance and a lack of information. HCI is here to support and partner with you in order to help students manage successfully through this time. Here are just a few tips you can use to support your HCI student:

1. Help create an optimal study space, in conversation with your child, that best support their studying (well-lit, as free from distraction as possible).

2. Handle the 'Life Admin', if possible, temporarily waive household chores, social obligations etc. to help them feel that you have relieved part of their stress.

3. Praise effort and reassure them that you are proud of their hard work and perseverance.

4. Co-regulate with them in order to help get a task started and break a habit of avoidance. This could look like saying you will work at the table with them, or you will tidy their space as they get started on a difficult task.

5. Use Generative AI to develop a list of tips, tricks, habits and supports for exam preparation and they have them check off the ones they would find helpful - like a support menu! That way you are having them begin to think about how to set themselves up for success (a great life skill) and you know how to best help during those stressful study sessions. The prompt I put into Google Gemini was "Give me a list of ways a parent can support exam stress for their children".

Please see below for important information for the upcoming week.

Week at a Glance

HCI Whole School Calendar

A Look Ahead...

Exam Info

Attendance --> Students are NOT to be at school outside of their scheduled exam times UNLESS they have been invited to participate in credit rescue opportunities by their teachers.

Missed Exams --> Any absence due to extenuating circumstances must be documented by a medical certificate or other official document and approved by a Vice Principal. Neither vacation time, sports, nor employment is a valid reason for missing a final evaluation. If a student or parent/guardian/caregiver does not communicate with a Vice Principal and the teacher about a missed final evaluation, the student will automatically receive a mark of zero.

Extra Time --> All exams have a time-and-a-half allotment to accommodate the learning needs and IEP requirements of students and to provide Universal Design for Learning for all students that might need more time. Additional time beyond the time-and-a-half allotment will NOT be granted.

HCI Celebrates

The Garnet News --> The members of The Garnet have worked hard to produce an exam-themed issue! It is a difficult time, but we know that the best thing to do is to make sure that your physical and mental health does not stray while devoting your school and home hours to studying.
Inside the issue you will find articles written by students that focus on the pressures of exam season, and how (through movie/book recommendations) there can still be time to relax. We also look at study spots around Humberside that are great places to sit down and focus. As well, we have also been able to promote some political cartoons made by Humberside students!
Please find the link to The Garnet's Website in order to get our latest issue.
Good luck on exams!

School Business

Sign Out Procedures --> Please ensure you are directing your HCI student to go to the VP office if they need to 'sign out' or 'sign-in' mid-day/mid-class. This is an important safety check point that ensures we are doing our due diligence to know who is physically in the building at all times. While you may have reported the need to sign out already, the process is not complete until they go to the office to be 'clocked out' and 'clocked in' in our system. Thank you for your support in this important safety measure.

Student Support

Exam and Course Culminating Fact Sheet --> The TDSB We has updated the Exam and Course Culminating Fact Sheet for 2025-26. This sheet provides recommendations for students as they work on culminating assignments and prepare for exams, including accommodations, study tips, and guidance when writing an exam. There are links to resources, including mental health and well-being resources.

Guidance Update

Timetable Change Requests for Semester 2:

Timetable changes will be considered ONLY if:
• Students have an incomplete timetable
• Students were unsuccessful in a course in Semester One
• Grade 11 or 12 students who have had a post-secondary pathway change
• Grade 12 students with 27 earned credits wish to request a spare

TIMETABLE CHANGE REQUEST FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO GUIDANCE BY FEBRUARY 6th.

From January 30th to February 6th--> The Guidance Department will be prioritizing necessary timetable changes. Regular appointment bookings will resume February 9th.

February is Course Selection Month--> Guidance is planning to visit all classrooms starting February 9 with all important details and deadlines. More details to follow.

Have a wonderful Friday,

Jessica Pearson

Principal